Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the much-anticipated DB Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport, marking a historic milestone for India’s aviation sector.
Built at an estimated cost of ₹19,650 crore, the airport is India’s first fully digital and AI-enabled airport, developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) between CIDCO and Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL).
With its inauguration, Mumbai joins global cities like London, New York, and Tokyo in boasting multiple international airports. Commercial operations are expected to begin in December 2025, positioning the hub as a major aviation, logistics, and employment driver for western India.
10 Key Facts About the Navi Mumbai International Airport
- India’s First Fully Digital Airport
The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is India’s first airport built with complete digital integration, featuring automated check-ins, AI-enabled baggage tracking, and contactless passenger services. - ₹19,650-Crore Mega Project
Developed at a cost of nearly ₹20,000 crore, the airport is expected to catalyze real estate growth, tourism, trade, and green innovation while generating over 2 lakh jobs across aviation, logistics, IT, and hospitality sectors. - AI-Enabled Passenger Experience
Facilities include pre-booked parking slots, online baggage drop, real-time immigration updates, and automated gate management ensuring a seamless, anxiety-free travel experience. - Lotus-Inspired Architecture
The airport’s design draws inspiration from the lotus flower, symbolizing purity and progress. The structure features glass façades, open spaces, and abundant natural light for an eco-modern aesthetic. - Capacity and Scale
Currently operating with one runway and one terminal, NMIA can handle 20 million passengers annually. Upon full completion with four terminals and two runways, its capacity will soar to 155 million passengers per year. - Airlines and Connectivity
Airlines including IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air are among the first to confirm operations, connecting Navi Mumbai to major domestic and international destinations. - Commercial Operations from December 2025
Initial operations will run for 12 hours daily, with 40% international traffic, which is expected to increase to 75% as the airport scales up operations. - ‘Anxiety-Free Airport’ Experience
AAHL CEO Arun Bansal described NMIA as “an anxiety-free airport,” noting its advanced automation: “Passengers will receive mobile alerts like ‘Your bag is number 20 on the carousel’ powered by AI-enabled systems.” - Integrated Multimodal Transport Hub
The airport is India’s first major aviation hub seamlessly linked to expressways, metro lines, suburban railways, and waterway services, enabling smooth inter-city and regional connectivity. - CIDCO–Adani Partnership
The airport is a joint venture between CIDCO and Adani Airports Holdings, symbolizing a model of sustainable public-private partnership in Indian infrastructure.
Beyond being a new terminal, the Navi Mumbai International Airport represents India’s vision of tech-driven, sustainable, and connected infrastructure. Designed to decongest Mumbai’s existing airport, NMIA is poised to emerge as India’s next global transit hub, comparable to Dubai and Singapore.
